HAMPSHIRE authorities have responded to recent figures, ranking the area as the second worst for cycling accidents in the UK since 2012.
Hampshire is second only to Surrey with 4,145 casualties over the past decade, according to GTSE.
But the commission stressed that the county is large and authorities continue to prioritize road safety.
Likewise, Hampshire Police believed the initial figures were misleading because when population was taken into account, the county’s ranking dropped to 153rd based on casualties per 1,000 people.
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Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg of Joint Action Road Policing outlined efforts to reduce bicycle accidents, including changes in the Highway Code to classify road users, movement and the focus of road policing officers.
“The number of crashes involving cyclists in Hampshire has steadily declined since 2016, showing that collective efforts through education, engineering and enforcement can make a difference,” the Chief Inspector said.
“We urge all road users to take extra care this winter, to drive according to road, traffic and weather conditions, and to take the necessary precautions for what we expect for this time of year.”
Councilor Edward Herron, the council’s executive lead member for Transport and Environmental Strategy, said: “We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of cyclists in Hampshire recently.
“County councils have for many years prioritized road safety education and measures, particularly where there is evidence that they reduce casualties. This focus has historically served Hampshire well, where deaths or deaths on Hampshire roads The number of people seriously injured is generally on the decline.
“Our road safety engineers regularly analyze accident data to identify where safety can be improved by focusing on measures needed for the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.”
To reduce cycling accidents, Cycleplan and GTSE recommend lowering tire pressure in winter to increase grip, checking brake pads and stopping distances, and using cable ties. For more information visit gtse.co.uk/blog/10-worst-uk-areas-for-cycling-accidents.
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Meanwhile, Hampshire Council has received £4.9m from the government’s Active Travel Fund. The funding is used for a range of measures to create better walking and cycling spaces in local communities.
Winchester’s latest proposals include countercurrent cycling on Parchment Street and the top areas of High Street from Station Road to Sussex Street and High Street from Westgate to Staple Gardens. Cycling is also possible on Middle Brook Street in the pedestrian zone from Fiarsgate to Silver Hill.
Additionally, a new modal filter has been proposed for Hyde Church Lane to allow pedestrians and cyclists to enter the lane between Hyde Street and Worthy Lane. For more information visit hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/atfwinchesterimprovements.
